Work positioner



March 5, 1946. E. v. CULLEN WORK IPOSITIONER Filed Aug. 21, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 5, 1946. I E. v. CULLEN 2,396,151

' WORK POSITIONER Filed Aug. 21, 1943' 1 s Sheets-Sheet 2 fwerzZb fi Edward 1 a ls/z n l U March 5; 1946. E. v CULLEN 2,396,161

- WORK POSiTIONER Filed Aug. 21, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 V a A, x

1720622??? I fldwa mz Patented Mar. 5, 1946 Edward v.' Cullen,

len-Friestedt Company,

ration of Illinois Chicago, 111., assignor to 0111-,-

Chicago, 111., a corpo- Application Angust 21, 1 943,-Serial No; 499,559

GClaims. (Cl.29-288) i The present invention relates generally to work positioners. More particularly the invention relates to that typeof positioner which is especially designed'or adapted to support and hold metallic structural pieces or other work indifferent positions in connection, with welding thereof and comprises a supporting structure and in addition. a work supporting and'retaining table whichis carried by the structure so that itis rotatable about its own center and is also capable of being tilted bodily into different angular positions as well as raised or lowered; a

The primary object o vide a work positioner of the invention is to pro- I this type, which, because of the design and construction of the supporting structure therefor, has greater capabilities of use than previously designed positioners, and is capable of not only being used more expeditiously but also of handling structural assemblies, or work pieces, whicheare too large or bulky to be handled by conventional or standard work positioners. The improved work positioner is characterized by the, fact that the supporting structure comprises: (1) a rigid elongated boom type frame having one e'ndthereof 'pivotally mounted so that it is permitted to swing upwardsfand downwards about a substantially horizontal axis, and embodying at its other or distal endthe rotatable and tiltable.

work supporting and retaining table; (2) :an upstanding mastfadjacent the proximal end of the frame; and (3) arigid link type element having one endthereof pivotally connected to the central portion of the frame andvits other end adjustably connected to the upper end of the mast, andserving to retain the frame in the various positions into which it is swung. By employing a mast and having the link type element extend-between the central portion ofthe frame, and the upper end of the mast the spacebeneath the frame is entirely unobstructed and hencesuch'space may be utilized to accommodate a large-sized work piece when the table is in its inverted position in cone nection with the welding of the bottom portion of the work piece. Another advantage in arranging the link type element sothat it extends between the central portion of the frame and the upper end of the mast resides in the fact that theframe may be lowered to substantially a horizontal position in order to facilitate mounting of the work piece on the table. H

Another object of the invention is to provide a work positioner which occupies but a comparatively small amount of space, is both rugged and durable, eiiectively and efiiciently fulfills its in tended purpose and because of the specific mantioner embodying one 7 V Figure 2' is a plan view of the welding positioner her in whichtheboom type frame is adjustably supported it is capable of handling smal1 'a'swell as large'sized workpieces.- I Other objects of the invention and the'v'arious advantages and characteristics of the present work positioner will'be apparent from a considera tionof thefollowingdetailed description;

The invention consists in the several novel teature s which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined" by claims at the conclusion hereof, I v v 1" I In the drawings which accompanylandiorm a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote -corre-' sponding parts throughout the'several views; 5

Figure l is a side. levation of a weldingipo'sif form of the invention;

being broken away and other of Figure ,1, parts n section for purposes of illus-' parts being'shown'i "tration;

A The positioner which'is Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical-section on the line3-3ofFigure2;- i

' Figure 4 is a fragmentary'vertical sectionof a welding positioner embodying a second or' m odi fled form of thein'ventionfland V 5 r V Figure 5 is anend View of the welding, positioner ofFigure4.

shown in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive of the drawings constitutes or represents one embodiment of the invention. It is primarily designed for holding in different angular positions metallic structural pieces or other work in connec V ti'on with welding thereof, and'as itsmain parts table [0. The base, frame,

" comprises a base 6, an elongated frame I, a link 8;

a bracket 9 and a work supporting'and retaining or constitute a supportng structure whereby the table I0 is mounted or carried so that it is capable of being raisedor lowered, tilted angularly to a limited extent, and rotated about its center; i

' The basefi is in the form of a fabricated structural steel unit and is adapted to rest upon, and be bolted to, the floor of the room 'or other enclosure laterally spaced channel beams upwards fromthe central portion of oneof the in which the positioner is used; It is rectangular, as shown in Figure 2,, and comprises a pair of parallel laterally spaced channel beams l l. The ends of the beams H are cross connected by way of a pair of metallic plates l2 and the ends of these plates rest upon, and are riveted or welded to, the topfianges of the beams; The base 6 is provided at one ,end' thereof with a vertically extending mast 13. This mast consists of a pair of parallel l4 andprojects' link and bracket formplates I 2. The lower end of the mast is welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the subadl'acent plate l2 in order that the mast is in fixed or rigid relation with the base 6. The central portions and lower ends of the channel beams I4 are cross connected by way of plates l5 and these are welded to the flanges of said beams l4.

The frame 1 overlies the base 6 and embodies a pair of parallel laterally spaced complemental arms l6 and f1 of channel beam design or construction. It is elongated, as shown in Figure 2, and in addition to the arms l6 and I1 it embodies a top plate I8 and a bottom plate 19. The top plate extends across the upper central portions of the two frame arms and is welded at its ends to the central portions of the upper flanges of the arms. The bottom plate l9 underlies the top plate and extends acrossgthe lower central portions of the arms bottom plate lap and are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the central portions of the bottom flanges of the two frame arms. The ends of the arms l6 and I1 that are at one end of the elongated frame 1 are arranged in straddled relation with the mast L3 and are pivoted by way of pairs of brackets20 and-pivot pins 2| so that the frame is permitted .to swing upwards and downwards about a horizontal axis or hinge line. The brackets 2-0 are fixedly secured to the plate l2 that underlies and supports the .mast l3 and embody upstanding lugs 22. The pivot pins 2| are carried or supported by .these lugs .and extend through holes in the adjacent ends of the frame arms l5 and I1, By reason of the construction and arrangements of the pivotal connections which are formed bythe lug equipped brackets 20 and the pivot pins, the frame 1 is permitted to swing downwards into a position wherein it is in substantially parallel relation with the base 6. The two frame arms are preferably tapered from the central portions thereof to their ends .(see Figure ,1). v The link 8 serves as a medium for supporting the frame 1 :in the various positions into which it is swung or angularly adjusted. One end of the link extends between a ,pair of laterally spaced upstanding lugs 23 on-the central portion of the top plate N3 of the frame 1 and is pivotally connected to such lugs byway of a pin 24. The latter extends through aligned holes in the lugs and the .adjacentendof the link and permits the link to swing in a vertical plane with respect to the frame 1. The .other end of the link is disposed between theupper ends of the channel beams l4 of the mast I3 and has a longitudinal series of equidistantly spaced holes .25. A pin 26 extends between the upper ends of the mast beams l4 and is mounted in diametrically opposite or coaxial holes 26* in such ends of the beam so that it is capable-of being slid longitudinally out of its operativeposition. This pin is adapted, as shown in Figure l, to extend through any one of the holes 25 in the link '8 and when in place ,it serves so to connectthe hole equipped end .of the link to the upper en-d'of the mast that the link supports the frame 1.. .It is contemplated that .an overhead crane .or hoist will be employed to raise or lower the frame 1 in connection with angular adjustment of the latter. When, for example, it is desiredto swing the frame upwards the operating part of the crane or hoist is applied to the distal end of the frame .1. Thereafter the pin 261s slid axially outofengagement with the link 8. .As soon as the pin is in its inoperative position the crane or hoist is operatedsoas-to swing upwards r is located beneath the pin I6 and I1. The ends of the the frame 1. When the frame is adjusted to the proper or desired angular position the crane or hoist is stopped. Thereafter the pin 26 is slid axially into interlocked relation with the adjacent hole 25. After the pin is in place the crane or hoist is disconnected from the distal end of the frame. Upon disconnection of the crane or hoist from the frame the frame is supported by the mast i3 and the link 8. Thepin 26 and the longitudinal series of holes 2 5 i-n'the link '8 constitute releasable means for securing the frame 1 in its various adjusted positions. A curved plate 21 26 (see Figure 1). This plate is welded to the upper ends of the beams I 4 of thecmas't l3 and serves to prevent the link -8 from falling to the bottom of the mast upon withdrawal ofthe pin 26 in connection with angular adjustment of the frame 1.

The bracket 3 is in the form of a one-piece casting and, as hereinafter described more in detail, constitutes a mount whereby the work supporting table lil is supported so that .it is rotatable about its center and also tiltable into different angular positions. It is disposed between the outer or distal ends of the arms l6 and ll of the frame 1 and is supported by way of a pair of coaxial horizontally-extending trunnions 28 and 29 so that it, together with the table, is capable of being tilted bodily into different angular positions. The trunnion 28 is fixed to, and projects inwardly from, a socket 30 at the distal end or outer extremity of the frame arm l6 and has a longitudinal bore 3| therein. The inner end of the trunnion 28 fits within a bearing type socket 32 in the bracket 9. The other trunnion, i. e., the trunnion 29, is fixed within, and projects inwardly from a socket ,33 in the distal end of the arm I 1 of the frame 1 and is solid, as shown in Figure 2. The inner end of the trunnion 29 fits within a bearing type socket 34 in the bracket 9. The two trunnions, as heretofore indicated, permit the bracket 9, together with the table, to be swung about a horizontal axis.

The table l0 is adapted to carry or support the work and has a plurality of holes therein whereby the work may be removably securedto it by way of bolts or other attaching devices. erably fiat and -has a stub shaft '35 fixed to the central portion of its under face. This stub shaft fits within a bearing 36 on the central portion of the bracket 9 and together with thebearing, forms a pivotal connection whereby the work supporting and retaining table I 0 is permitted to rotate about its center.

In addition to the various parts heretofore described the positioner which is shown in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, comprises power mechanism '31 for. tilting the bracket 9 and the table I 0 relatively to the frame 1 andalso power mechanism 38 for rotating the table 10 about its center.

The mechanism 31 comprises an electric motor 39a1'1d speed reducing ,gearing40. The motor .is mounted on the central portion of the arm 16 of the frame 1 andis located ,on the outside of the arm. The speed reducing gearing ofthe power mechanism 31 comprises a worm 4 La wormgear 42, a pinion 4.3, a gear '44, a pinion 45 .and a gear segment 46. The worm .41, the worm gear 42, the pinion-43 and the gear 4.4 are .disposed within a housing 41 which is fixed to theframe arm H5. The worm 4| is fixed to the armature shaft of the electric motor 39 and meshes with the worm gear 42. The latter is mounted on a shaft 48 which extends horizontally and is mounted in suitable bearings in the housing 141. The pinion It is pref:

' is capable of being bracket 9 and meshes.

.43 -is fixed to 'theshaft at and meshes withthe gear 44. The latter is 'mounted'on' one end of a shaft 49 which extends between the frame arms HS and I1 and is carried bybearings on the arms. The pinion 45 is fixed to'the central the shaft 49 and meshes withthe gear segment 46. vAs shown in Figure 2; the segment 46 is bolted to the bracket 9. When the motor 39 is driven in one direction it operatesthroughthe mediumof the gearing All to swing the bracket 9 and table in one direction. Whenthe motor is reversely driven it operates through the medium of the gearing 40 to swing the bracket and table in the opposite direction. The teeth of the gear segment 46' extend throughout an arc of approximately 180. Thesegment is so posito the bracket 9 that the table tilted from a position wherein it overlies and extends in substantially parallel relation with the distal end of the frame 1 to an inverted position wherein it underlies the distal end of the frame. Suitable limit switches (not shown) are employed to stopthe electric motioned with respect tor 39. automaticallywhen either end of the gear the pinion 45.

segment 46 approaches 38 for rotatingthe work The power mechanism supporting and retaining table about its center comprises an electric motor 50 and 'speed reducing. gearing The motor 50 is located outwards of the outer end of the trunnion 28'and is connected to such end a ,housing,:52. The gearing 5l' of the power mechanism 38 comprises a pinion 53;.a gear 54, a worm 55, a worm gear. 56, a pinion 51 and a ring gear 58; The pinion 53 is mounted in the housing 52 and is fixed to'one end of the armature shaft of the electric motor 59. The gear 54 meshes with, and is driven by,"the pinion 53 and is mounted on one end of a horizontally extending shaft 59. Such shaft, as shown in'Figure 2, extends throughand .isiournaled in the bore 3| in the trunnion 28. The worm 55 is located between the inner ends of the trunnions 28 and 2 9 and is fixed to the innerend'of the shaft59. It is disposed in a recess or. chamber. in the with the worm gear 56'. The latter is connected which is journaled in a bearing forming part of the bracket 9. The pinion 51 is fixed to the other end ofthe shaft so and meshes with the ring gear 58. Such gear surrounds the stub shaft 35 and is fixed to the bottom face of'the table In. When current is supplied to the electric motor 55 of the power mechanism 38 the motor operates through the medium of the speed reducing gearing 5| to rotate the work supporting table In about its center.

-When the positioner of Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, is to be used the frame I is swung downwards into its lowermost position in order to bring the work supporting and retaining table In in close proximit to the subjacent end-of the 'base 6. Thereafter the work 'to be welded is placed on the table by way ofanoverhead crane or hoist.

As soon as the work is properly positioned with respect to the table it is bolted to the latter; Thereafter the frame I is swung upwards, as

hereinbefore described; in order to position the table at the'proper elevation for welding. When the table is supported at the desired elevation it may be tilted as desired by operation or actuation of the power mechanism'31; It also may be rotated bodily about its center by actuation'of the power mechanism 38.

The aforementioned positioner is both rugged portion "of anddurabl'e and effectivel andefiiciently fulfills its intended purpose. 1 It 'is characterized by. the fact that the frame permits the table, to be raised and lowered throughout an extremely great rangeof movement. I By'reason of the fact that the supportingstructure includes the pivoted elongated frame 'lthe work to be welded encounters no obstructions when the table is in an inverted position regardless of the elevation of the table.- Because the space under the boom type frame 1 is unobstructed the frame may be lowered into a substantially horizontal position when it is desired to use the table for welding small sized work pieces. As shown in Figure 1 ofthe drawings the upper end of the mast l3 7 is subtantially coplanar with the table I!) when or modified form ofthe bodies power means of the trunnion by way of spaced masts 63.

to one end of ashaft 60 p the table is horizontally positioned and .is'low' ered to its fullest" extent. Because of thisjthe elongated mast doesnot interfere with the welding of large sized pieces on the table.

The welding positioner which is shown in Figures 4 and 50f 'the dr'awings constitutes a second the same as the welding positioner of Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, with the exception that it em for raising and lowering the frame instead of the link 8 and pin26. As shown in Figure 4, thegmodified' form of welding positioner comprises a base Bland an elongated frame 62. The base Glcorresponds to, and is the same in design as, the base 6; The frame 621s like the frame] and is'pivotally connected atone end thereof. The distal end of-the frame is PTO! vided with a work supporting and retaining table (not shown) which'corresponds to, and is supported like, the table 10. The base BI is provided with a pair of vertically extending laterally The latter are fixedly or rigidly connected to the base and are positioned between the pivotal connections fonthe arms of the frame 62. -The mechanism for raising and lowering the frame 62 comprises a bracket 64 which is disposed between the upper ends of the masts 63 and is provided with a pair of oppositely extending horizontal trunnions '65. The latter fitdnsuitable bearingsat the upper ends of the masts and permit the bracket 64 to swing or tilt about a horizontalaxis. The bracket includes a platform66 beneaththe trunnions and a pair of-horizontally extending parallel laterally spaced bars 81. The latter are located between the inner ends of the trunnions 65, as shown in Figure 5. Inaddition to the bracket 64 the mechanism for raisingand lowering the table supporting frame 62 comprises an electric motor 68, a worm between the bars 61, as shown in Figures 4 ands and embodies an internally threaded hub 12.

, One endof the shaft II is pivotall connected ,and fits within the internally to the central portion of the frame 62 and the other end of the shaft extends through aligned holesl3 in the central portions of the bars 61 threaded hub- 12 of the worm gear 10. When the electric motor 68'is driven inone direction the worm gear 10 is rotated in one" direction and operates-through the medium of the screw thread connection be invention. It is exactly 7 atween its hub and the distal end of the shaft II to shift the shaft longitudinally :in one direction. When the :motor .68 is reversely driven it operates through the medium of :the worm 69 :re- Merse'ly torotate :the worm gear .10 and such reverse rotation on the part 'of the worm gear operates through the medium of the "aforementionedrscrew thread connection to shift the shaft longitudinally inthe opposite direction. When the :motor is rotated in one direction the table carrying frame .62 israised and when the motor is reverse'ly driven the vframeis :caused to lower. ,The mechanism including the motor '68, the worm, .the worm gear and the shaft 1| constitutes simple power means for raising or lowering the frame :62 to any desiredextent. The gearing consisting of the worm 16.9 and the worm gear 110 isirreversible and hence when the motor 6.8 is at rest the frames iislocked against swinging movement relatively to the base 61.

The invention is not ;.to be understood as restricted to the details set "forth since these may be modified within the :scope of the appended claims without departing :from the spirit and scope of the invention.

This application is a continuation in part of an application for United :States Letters Patent filed byme on June '16, 19.41, SerialpNo. 398,197.

Having thus described the invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

,1. I-n-a-work positioner comprising a rigid elongated boom type frame having one end thereof 'pivotally-mounted so thatit is permitted to swing upwards and downwards about a substantially horizontal axis, and having at. its distal end a worksupporting and retaining table and amount for supporting the table so that it is capable of being'rotated about its center and also tilted back and :forthibetween a position wherein it overlies said distal end of the frame and an inverted position wherein it underlies said distal end of the frame, the combination of an upstanding mast poistioned adjacent the proximal end of the frame, and a rigid link type element positioned wholly on the upper side of the frame, having one end thereof zpivotally connected to the central portion of the frame and its other end adjustably connected to the upper end of the mast, and serving to retain the frame in the various positions into which it is swung.

2.1n a work positioner comprising an elongated base structure, :a rigid elongated boom type frame overlying the base structure-and hav ing one end thereof pivotally connected to one end of said base structure so that it is permitted to swing upwards and downwards about a substantially horizontal :axis, and having at its distal end a work supporting and retaining table, and a mount for supporting the table so that it is capable of being rotated about its, center and also tilted back and forth between a position wherein it overlies said distal end of the frame and an inverted position wherein it underlies said'distal end of the frame, the combination of an upstanding mast connected rigidly to said one end of the base structure and positioned adjacent the proximal end of the frame, and a rigidlink type element positioned wholly on the upper side of the frame, having one end thereof pivotally connected to the central portion of the frame and its other end adjust-ably connected to the upper end of the mast, and s rving to r tain the frame in the variousp sitionsinto which it. is swung. 3 4

1'3. Ina work positioner comprising a rigid elongated boom type frame having :one-end thereof :pivotall mounted so that .it is permitted :to swing upwards and downwards about "a substantiall horizontal .axis, l and embodying at the dis- .tal :end thereof awork supporting and retaining table and a mount for supporting the table so that it is capableof being rotatedabout its center and alsotilted back and forth :between a position wherein it overlies said distal end of the frame and an inverted position wherein it underlies said distal end of the frame; the combination of an upstanding mast positioned adjacent the proximal end of gtheframe and having the upper .end thereof :bifurcated, and means for retaining theframe in :the various positions into which it is swung consisting of a :rigid link positioned wholly on the upper sde of the frame, .and having one end thereof pivotally connected to the central portion of the frame and its other end positioned in thebi-furcated upper end of the ,mastand provided with a longitudinal series of transverse holes, and a pin extending transversely across and removably mounted in said bifurcated upper :endof the mast and adapted to fit within any one of the holes in the other end of the link.

4. In a work positioner'comprising a rigidelongated boom type frame having one end thereof pivotally mounted so that it is permittedto swing upwards and downwards about a substantially horizontal axis, and embodying at the distal end thereof a work supporting and retaining table and a mount for supporting the table so that it is capable of being rotated about its center and also tilted back and forth between a position wherein it overlies said distal :end of the frame and an inverted position wherein it underlies said distal end of the frame, the combination of a rigid upstanding mast positioned adjacent the proximal end of the frame, and mechanism for swingingthe frame into different-angular positions disposed wholly on the upper side of the frame and embodying :a screw shaft having one end thereof pivotally connected to the central portion of the frame and its other end positioned adjacent the upper "end of the mast, a rotatable nut mounted on said other end of the .shaftand operatively connected to the upper end of the mast so that it is free to tilt relatively thereto while at the same time it is confined against axial displacement, and power means associated with said upper end of the mast for rotating the nut in either direction.

'5. In :a work 'positioner comprising an elongated base structure, a rigid elongated boom type frame overlying the base structure and having one end thereof pivotally connected to one end of said base structure so that it is permitted to swing upwards and downwards about a substantially horizontal .axis, and embodying at its distal end a work supporting and retaining table and a mount for supporting the table so that it is capable of being rotated about its :center and also tilted back and forth between a position wherein it overlies said distal end of the frame and an inverted position wherein it underlies said distal end of the frame, the combination of a rigid upstanding mast fixedly connected to said one end of the base structure at a point adjacent the proximal end of the frame, and mechanism for swinging the frame into different angular positions disposed wholly on the upper side of the frame and embodying a screw shaft having oneend thereof pivotally connected to the central portion of the frame and its other end positioned adjacent the upper end of the mast, a rotatable nut mounted on said other end of the shaft and operatively connected to the upper end of the mast so that it is free to tilt relatively thereto while at the same time it is v confined against axial displacement, and power means in the form of a reversible electric motor and speed reducing gear associated with said upper end of the mast and serving to rotate the nut in either direction.

6. In a work positioner comprising a rigid elongated boom type frame having one end thereof pivotally mounted so that it is permitted to swing upwards and downwards about a substantially horizontal axis, and embodying at its distal end a work supporting and retaining table and a mount for supporting the table so that it is capable of being rotated about its center and also of the frame, having one end thereof pivotally connected to the central portion of the frame and its other end adjustably connected to the upper end of the mast, and serving to retain the frame in the various positions into which it is swung.

EDWARD V. CULLEN.

adjacent the proximal 

